Cracker Barrel is adding alcohol to the menu for the first time in its history

[DGUtley]

Cracker Barrel is adding alcohol to the menu for the first time in its history. This caught me by surprise.

Cracker Barrel is getting bubbly with the addition of beer, wine and mimosas to its menu for the first time in the company's 51-year history. The "old country store" restaurant chain began testing the concept starting before the coronavirus pandemic began. After adding beer, wine and mimosas to the menu at more than 100 locations, the company is making the change permanent. It helped that the overall response from customers was overwhelmingly positive and made the decision to allow most locations to partake in adult beverages a no-brainer.

"Our guests have told us that offering beer and wine would reduce the
veto vote — that is, those guests who would choose Cracker Barrel for a
given dining occasion, but ultimately go elsewhere because they would
like to have a beer or a glass of wine with their meal — especially
during weekend dinner," a Cracker Barrel spokesman told CNN via email

https://www.cnn.com/2020/09/19/busin...e=morning_brew



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[Peter1469]

Restaurants that decide to go alcohol free miss out on the biggest revenue stream for a typical restaurant that does offer it.

[countryboy]

That's awesome, I love Cracker Barrel.

[John Galt]

Cracker Barrel is adding alcohol to the menu for the first time in its history. This caught me by surprise.

Cracker Barrel is getting bubbly with the addition of beer, wine and mimosas to its menu for the first time in the company's 51-year history. The "old country store" restaurant chain began testing the concept starting before the coronavirus pandemic began. After adding beer, wine and mimosas to the menu at more than 100 locations, the company is making the change permanent. It helped that the overall response from customers was overwhelmingly positive and made the decision to allow most locations to partake in adult beverages a no-brainer.

"Our guests have told us that offering beer and wine would reduce the
veto vote — that is, those guests who would choose Cracker Barrel for a
given dining occasion, but ultimately go elsewhere because they would
like to have a beer or a glass of wine with their meal — especially
during weekend dinner," a Cracker Barrel spokesman told CNN via email

https://www.cnn.com/2020/09/19/busin...e=morning_brew



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Attachment 31246

I've gone to a Cracker Barrel a handful of times when I was on the road. It's an interesting concept, and the food isn't bad. I like the 'home style' menu, but my food was tepid every time I went.

They've had issues with racist behavior in the past, so much so that I noticed an odd sign at the entrance stating that they welcome all patrons.

I don't drink beer or wine, so I never realized the 'no alcohol' business model. Was there a reason for that?

[Peter1469]

I've gone to a Cracker Barrel a handful of times when I was on the road. It's an interesting concept, and the food isn't bad. I like the 'home style' menu, but my food was tepid every time I went.

They've had issues with racist behavior in the past, so much so that I noticed an odd sign at the entrance stating that they welcome all patrons.

I don't drink beer or wine, so I never realized the 'no alcohol' business model. Was there a reason for that?

Family restaurant- like Bob Evans.

[John Galt]

Family restaurant- like Bob Evans.

I found the decor to be beautiful. You can stare at the walls non stop as you wait for your food. I actually got up from my seat and walked across the dining room to try and figure out what was hanging on the wall.

As you mentioned...they're losing out on a lot of revenue by refusing to sell beer/wine. As long as they don't allow patrons to get drunk and loud, I don't see why the 'family restaurant' atmosphere would be in jeopardy?

Every family has that one uncle...

[Calypso Jones]

coffee's pretty awful. When we travel by motorhome we usually hit these at some point. Breakfast is okay either for a small healthy one or a heart attack on a plate.

[Peter1469]

I found the decor to be beautiful. You can stare at the walls non stop as you wait for your food. I actually got up from my seat and walked across the dining room to try and figure out what was hanging on the wall.

As you mentioned...they're losing out on a lot of revenue by refusing to sell beer/wine. As long as they don't allow patrons to get drunk and loud, I don't see why the 'family restaurant' atmosphere would be in jeopardy?

Every family has that one uncle...

They are sticking with wine and beer, no liquor.

I like the decor too.

[Peter1469]

coffee's pretty awful. When we travel by motorhome we usually hit these at some point. Breakfast is okay either for a small healthy one or a heart attack on a plate.

I have only eaten breakfast there.

[FindersKeepers]

They offer a wide variety of vegetable side dishes, so there's always something for a vegetarian to eat. I guess I can see wanting to expand their clientele to more than just "families," but I hope they won't regret it.